This time we will look at the breeds of goats. We have raised most all of them and find we love the dairy goat breed the most. We just recently purchased some nubians and Nubian/Boer cross. We absolutly loved the milk production of our Toggenburgs, but the ones we had were long lost relatives of Houdini...LOL... and would not stay in the pen regardless of what we did, and goats on a busy hiway is not kosher, so to new homes they went and will be very happy I am sure! Now on the subject! This time we are going to discuss Dairy Goats.

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Dariy Goats

ABOVE--The Alpine, also known as "French Alpine", originated in the Alps. They are medium to large goats with upright ears. Alpines are hardy, adaptable and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.5%. Alpines are seasonal breeders.

ABOVE--he LaMancha is a medium sized breed, developed in the USA from goats of Spanish origin. They have an excellent dairy temperament . LaManchas can come in a variety of colors and patterns. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 4.2%. LaManchas have tiny ears which come in two types: "gopher ears", which are little "sweet rolls"; and "elf ears", which are little hooked ears less than 2 inches long.

ABOVE--The Nigerian is a miniature dairy goat of West African origin with upright ears. They are bred to have the length of body and structure, in proportion, of a full sized dairy goat. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. Nigerians can also produce a surprising amount of milk for their size (3-4 four pounds per day) Their milk has an average butterfat of about 6.1%.

ABOVE--The Nubian, also know as "Anglo-Nubians" is a large, proud, and graceful goat with long pendulous ears and a "Roman nose".  They are not heavy producers but milk has an average butterfat of about 4.6%. Nubians come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are very vocal. They are very popular but not quite as hardy as some other breeds Nubians are usually seasonal breeders but sometimes may breed year round.

ABOVE--The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy goat. This breed is of medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. Its color is chamois. Does may be black but chamois is preferred. Chamois is described as: Bay - ranging from light to a deep red bay with the later most desirable. A few white hairs through the coat and about the ears are permitted. Markings are to be: two black stripes down the face from above each eye to a black muzzle; forehead nearly all black, black stripes from the base of each ear coming to a point just back of the poll and continuing along the neck and back as a dorsal stripe to the tail; a black belly and udder; black legs below the knees and hocks; ears black inside and bay outside; bucks often have more black on the head than does, black whiskers, and black hair along the shoulders and lower chest with a mantle of black along the back; bucks frequently have more white hairs through the coat than does.  The face is straight. A Roman nose is discriminated against.

ABOVE--The Saanen is a bred from Switzerland in the Saanen valley, with white or cream-coloured coats. They are very popular as dairy goats, because they are good milkers, and Louise gets milked in the morning when she is having breakfast, usually giving us a couple of litres a day.

ABOVE--The Toggenburg is a Swiss breed credited as being the oldest known dairy goat breed. They are medium in size with upright ears. "Togg" coloring is varying from a light fawn to dark chocolate, with distinctive and specific white markings. Their milk has an average butterfat of about 3.3%. This breed was originally developed to provide milk for cheese production and so their milk can sometimes have a strong flavor.

---Next Time we will Discuss Meat goats---

~Kris

Sources of information from various places in the internet and of my own knowledge.

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by faithfarm

Great post! Thanks for sharing such great information and pictures! Blessings>faithfarm

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by kdbspace

Ienjoyed this post! I'll look forward to the meat chapter! We're new to this goat thing and plan to butcher the little guys this fall.Kim

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